Guyana
Birding the Wild Tropics
January 31 to February 15, 2013

| At a Glance | Itinerary | Costs | Sign-up | Other Details |

Guyana is a hidden jewel in the expansive rainforest and savannahs of northeastern South America. Located between Venezuela and Suriname on the Guianan Shield, Guyana covers 83,012 square miles and boasts vast expanses of unbroken rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and healthy savannahs. Each habitat holds different and bountiful wildlife from Giant Anteater, King Vulture, Crab-eating Fox and Jaguar to Giant Otters, Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, Harpy Eagle, and Crimson Topaz Hummingbirds. Wildlife is abundant and easily approachable so photographic opportunities abound. Guyana is home to over 770 species of birds and 225 species of mammals, including anteaters, armadillos, cats, sloths, coatis, peccary, tapir, and monkeys. We will travel by plane, 4x4 vehicle, and motorboat over unbroken tropical rainforests, across large expanses of savannah, and through large rivers and meandering channels. Comfortable lodges are located in prime habitat and wonderfully hospitable Amerindian natives will prepare delicious food for us. A visit to Guyana is like a visit to the Neotropics of the past.

At a Glance

Cost: $6,500 per person, double occupancy, not including airfare. Review cost details.

Leader: Jim Danzenbaker and Wally Prince.

Group Size: 8, not including our leaders.

Number of Days: 16, including travel time.

Conditions: This is a non-smoking safari for people who are very interested in all wildlife and spending the maximum time in the field.

Update: This itinerary was updated in November 2011.

Synopsis:

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Detailed Itinerary

January 31, Thursday: Fly to Georgetown, Guyana, and overnight at Cara Lodge
Fly to the Cheedi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Georgetown to arrive on or before January 31. See complete flight information. (There is also a Delta flight arriving about 7am on February 1; this will work if it is the best option for you by transferring directly to the Arrowpoint Marina, however we recommend arriving by January 31.) An agent from our partner company in Georgetown will be at the airport to greet you. Airport transfers to our accommodations at Cara Lodge are included in the cost of the trip when arriving on January 31. We'll be happy to arrange extra hotel nights and separate transfers for an additional cost if you would like to arrive early. Meet Jim Danzenbaker and Wally Prince for introductions at 8:30 pm in the reception area at the Cara Lodge on January 31 or in the morning at the Arrowpoint Marina if you arriving the morning of February 1.
Lodging: Cara Lodge

February 1, Friday: To the Arrowpoint Nature Resort. Birding by canoe and evening nightspotting.
After breakfast, travel to the Arrowpoint Marina on the Demerara River. Here we will board a boat for a trip across the Demerara River and then cruise the black waters of the meandering Kamuni Creek. We'll pass overhanging jungle vegetation that gives way to wide open savannahs before coming to the Amerindian village of Santa Mission.

We'll continue to the picturesque Arrowpoint Nature Resort in time for lunch. After settling in, enjoy a walk in the nearby woods or explore the compound area where tanagers, flycatchers, toucans, woodpeckers, swallows, and parrots rest in the heat of the day. As the afternoon cools, we'll take canoes out to view birds and mammals along the creek. In palms we may encounter the strikingly beautiful Point-tailed Palmcreeper. We may also see Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Green Ibis, trogons, macaws and a myriad of hummingbirds, including the Black-throated Mango and Green-tailed Goldenthroat. The magnificent Crimson Topaz occurs in leks along the streams and we'll try to find this spectacular species. Evening around the Arrowpoint Nature Resort can be magical with many Red-shouldered and Red-bellied macaws roosting in the moriche palms and Brazilian Agoutis scurrying along the forest edge. An indigenous atmosphere is created as a mouthwatering three-course dinner is served buffet style on the beach. After dinner, we'll use headlamps provided by the resort and enjoy a night walk with an experienced resident guide through the dark jungle trails. Nightspotting is an opportunity to experience a different side of the tropical rainforest. The deep beauty of the tropical night comes alive with vast numbers of fire flies sparkling through the trees and eyes of night creatures lighting up the jungle night. On the return we will paddle over dark water that becomes surprisingly transparent as we peer in with our headlamp and colorful eyes peering back at us.
Lodging: Arrowpoint Nature Resort

February 2, Saturday: Fly to Kaieteur Falls with tepuis landing. Iwokrama River Lodge.
Those who would like an outing at dawn will enjoy birding from the boats, then have a late breakfast. We'll return by boat and drive to the airport in Georgetown to take a charter flight over many miles of unbroken tropical rainforest to Kaieteur, one of the world's most powerful waterfalls. Though Venezuela's Angel Falls are greater in total height, their filamentous drop occurs by stages whereas Kaieteur is a single, massive, thundering cataract 100 meters wide, created as the Potaro River makes a sheer drop of 228 meters – nearly five times the height of Niagara Falls! The site is even more impressive due to its remoteness and it is quite possible that we will be the only people viewing it. We will land on the tabletop summit of a nearby tepui and explore this amazing ecosystem, including the unique microenvironment of the giant tank bromeliads in which the tiny Golden Frog spends its entire life. Here we will hope to find White-chinned and White-tipped swifts swirling over the gorge, and perhaps we'll be lucky enough to see the astonishingly colorful Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, White-tailed Goldenthroat, Orange-breasted Falcon and Musician Wren. Photography at the water's edge can be incredible with rainbows, riverside vegetation and forested hillsides. After two hours at the falls, we'll continue our flight to Fair View village and then drive to the Iwokrama River Lodge in the heart of lush rainforest.
Lodging: Iwokrama River Lodge

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Immature Rufescent Tiger-Heron

February 3 - 4, Sunday - Monday: Explore the wildlife rich Iwokrama Forest on foot and by boat
The Iwokrama Forest is in the heart of The Guiana Shield, one of the four last pristine tropical forests in the world. The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development (IIC) was developed in 1996 to manage the Iwokrama Forest, a vast wilderness of one million acres, in a manner that leads to lasting ecological, economic, and social benefits for the people of Guyana and the world. The IIC is a very important living laboratory for tropical forest management. The unsustainable utilization of these forests would result in the extinction of a tremendous number of the world's plant and animal species and unknown changes to global climate. This is a protected area with a difference; that difference being the full involvement of local people. The IIC is exceptional among conservation organizations because it joins with local people in every aspect of its work. The success of the IIC relies on the ownership of local people, including the Makushi people who have called the Iwokrama Forests home for thousands of years, and the combined skills of specialists and communities. The IIC does what so many International conventions have acknowledged as best practice – it has begun conservation locally and integrated conservation into national development.

In the morning we'll explore the Greenheart and Woodcreeper trails. We will look for Spix's Guan, Crestless Curassow, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Eastern Slaty-Antshrike, Sooty-headed Tyrannulet and Tiny Tyrant Manakin. In the afternoon we'll walk the Screaming Piha Trail near the Field Station, home to Bronzy Jacamar, Chestnut and Waved woodpeckers, Amazonian Antshrike, Gray Antbird and Strong-billed Woodcreeper. We may also see Gray-winged Trumpeter, four species of trogons (Black-tailed, White-tailed, Violaceous and Collared), and five species of woodcreepers (Plain-brown, Wedge-billed, White-chinned, Buff-throated, Chestnut-rumped and Barred). After lunch an Iwokrama Ranger or Wally will give us a tour of the facilities and a brief overview of the work they are conducting at the IIC. As the day ends, we will look for Ladder-tailed Nightjar and four species of potoos (Great and Common and the rarer Rufous and White-winged). Mammal sightings may include Jaguar, Puma, and a variety of primates.

The next day set out by boat to the trail to the foot of Turtle Mountain. We'll explore the trails for a few hours, visiting Turtle Ponds where Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Sunbittern, Sungrebe, Greater Ani, and Green-and-rufous Kingfisher hunt. We will continue through the forest looking for Red Fan Parrot, Red-throated Caracara, Double-toothed Kite, White-plumed and Ferruginous-backed antbirds and Royal Flycatcher along the way. Climbing to an elevation of 900 feet, we'll get a view of the forest canopy below and the chance to see Green Aracari and White Bellbird or a fly-by of one of five possible species of eagles. This trail is also a great location for seeing Black Spider Monkey and Red Howler Monkey and, if we are very lucky, a Jaguar. This pristine forest offers huge buttress trees and the endemic Greenheart, a highly sought after hardwood. On our return we'll visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (water level permitting).

After dark, we'll set out on the river in hopes of finding one or more of its four species of caiman and listen for night birds such as Spectacled Owl, White-winged Potoo, Rufous Potoo, Long-tailed Potoo, Zigzag Heron and Blackish Nightjar. We'll likely see snakes (including Cox Boa), tree frogs, and, if luck is on our side, some mammals (Puma and Capybara are in the area).
Lodging: Iwokrama River Lodge

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Crab Eating Fox

February 5 - 7, Tuesday - Thursday: Drive to Atta Rainforest Lodge and Iwokrama Canopy Walkway
We'll wake early and embark on the Essequibo River, circumnavigating Indian House Island for a chance to hear a dawn song on the river – a chorus of five species of tinamou, Marbled Wood-Quail, Band-rumped Swift, White-banded and Black-collared swallows, and Guianan Streaked-Antwren. We'll then return to the lodge for breakfast.

After breakfast we'll travel by a high, four-by-four Bedford Truck (the workhorse of Guyana) through the heart of the Iwokrama Forest, where there is a good chance to see the elusive Jaguar. The Iwokrama Forest is gaining an international reputation for its healthy Jaguar populations that seem untroubled by the appearance of curious humans. We will stop along the road at numerous locations and look for species such as Guianan Red-Cotinga, Pompadour Cotinga, Blue-backed Tanagers, White-winged Potoo, Olive-green Tyrannulet, Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo, and Marail Guan.

We'll arrive at the Atta Rainforest Lodge where the accommodations are simple, yet with private baths and in a superb location. This is a great place to spend three nights; it is a half-hour walk from the lodge up an incline to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. The 154-meter-long canopy walkway is a series of suspension bridges and observation decks of up to 30 meters (100 feet) in height. The state-of-the-art construction allows trees to grow normally by using adjustable cables and braces throughout the support structure. The four observation decks enable visitors to view the mid and upper canopy and allow wildlife to remain relatively free from human intrusion.

On the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway we will look for a procession of striking, canopy-dwelling birds such as Screaming Piha, Caica Parrot, White-throated Trogon, Golden-winged Parakeet, Guianan Toucanet and many more. If we are lucky we may see the stunning and highly sought-after Pompadour Cotinga and a notoriously shy species of monkey, the shaggy Guianan Saki. We are likely to see the commoner Purple-throated Cotinga.

During our two full days at Atta Rainforest Lodge, mornings will include early starts on the canopy walkway and then slow walks along jungle trails where we may see flocks of White-plumed, Spot-winged, and Ferruginous-backed antbirds. Ash-winged Antwen, Long-billed Antwren, McConnell's Flycatcher, Gray-crowned Flycatcher, Plain Xenops, and Wedge-billed Woodcreeper also reside here.

We'll stop in Mori Scrub for more excellent birding. This area characterized by an unusual low, sandy forest includes specialties such as Guianan Red-Cotinga, Black Manakin, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, and Yellow-throated Flycatcher. Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo has also been seen nearby and if we hear one calling, we will certainly attempt to locate it. Baird's Tapir and Ocelot are in the area, so we'll look for these elusive mammals and any signs of their presence.

The clearing around the lodge is one of the best places to see another of Guyana's "must-see" birds – the Crimson Fruitcrow. This species is seen here on a reasonably regular basis as it comes to feed in the nearby trees. The clearing is also a reliable site for Black Curassow, as there is a family that has become habituated to people and regularly passes through the clearing. Other species we hope to encounter during our stay include Spix's and Marail guans, Grey-winged Trumpeter, Red-fan Parrot, Eastern Long-tailed Hermit, Crimson Topaz, Great and Paradise jacamars, Guianan and Pied puffbirds, Guianan Toucanet, Red-billed Woodcreeper, Black-throated Antshrike, Guianan Streaked Antwren, Guianan Warbling Antbird, Pompadour Cotinga, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Tiny Tyrant-Manakin, Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, Golden-sided Euphonia, and both Red-and-black, and Yellow-green grosbeaks.

In the evenings, we will do some night birding on the road when mammals are also likely to be active. Another of our major priorities will be the poorly known White-winged Potoo, which can be found both around the lodge and at the walkway after dark. Locating this bird will require a bright moonlit night to stand a reasonable chance of seeing it.
Lodging: Atta Rainforest Lodge

February 8, Friday: Rio Rupununi to Rewa Eco-Lodge. Cock-of-the-rock and maybe Harpy Eagle.
After breakfast we will walk a trail to a special locality where Guianan Cock-of-the-rocks are known to display and nest. En route to our destination, we plan to visit a Harpy Eagle nest located in a huge tree a couple of miles from the nearest Amerindian village. We'll continue to Rock View Lodge between the Amerindian villages of Annai and Rupertee in the North Rupununi Savannahs of Central Guyana. After stopping here for lunch we'll continue along the road to Kwatamang Landing and then travel by boat on the Rupununi River. Opportunities to see rare Giant Otters and Black Caiman are quite good here. We'll pass by locals out fishing and bathing in the river as we make our way along the Rewa River to the Amerindian community of Rewa. This journey is approximately 50 miles by river and can be as short as two hours or as long as four hours, depending on the water level.

Rewa Village is located where the Rewa River meets the Rupununi River. The surrounding area is rainforest, mountains, and oxbow lakes abundant with both birds and fish. The community is comprised of approximately 220 inhabitants, predominately of the Makushi tribe with a few families of the Wapashani and Patamona tribes. Villagers practice subsistence farming, fishing, and hunting with little opportunity for cash employment. In 2005 the community constructed the Rewa Eco-Lodge so that they could establish a sustainable eco-tourism business. The lodge remains virtually unknown with very limited annual visitors. It is situated on the riverbank overlooking the Rewa River with views down river to the Rupununi River. The grassed clearing in the rainforest houses six benabs with palm thatched roofs, providing good ventilation for this hot and humid climate. Accommodations are in several benabs, each with bedrooms and large patios with hammocks for relaxing. Three bathrooms with flush toilet, shower, and basin are just a few meters from the bedrooms. There is a large kitchen and dining area with a lookout to the river.

This afternoon take a boat up the Rewa River and then a 15-minute walk to Grass Pond. This pond (though "lake" may be a more appropriate term) is about three kilometers long and is a beautiful setting with Victoria amazonica, the largest of the water lilies. Grass Pond reportedly has Guyana's highest density of Arapaima, the largest fresh water fish in the world. During the late afternoon, we may see Brown Capuchin monkey and Capybara. Birds likely to be seen include Limpkin, Wattled Jacana, Black-collared Hawk, Great Potoo, White-chinned Jacamar, Green Kingfisher, and Guianan Puffbird. As dusk settles, watch the flowers of the Victoria amazonica lily bloom.
Lodging: Rewa Eco-Lodge

February 9 - 10, Saturday - Sunday: Bird Awarmie Mountain and the Rewa River. Rewa Eco-Lodge
Enjoy breakfast at dawn overlooking the Rewa River. Then head out by boat along the Rupununi River to an oxbow lake to begin the walk up Awarmie Mountain. The climb is steep in a few sections, but, not too difficult. We'll stop for birds and mammals along the way with the possibility of close-up views of Black Spider Monkeys. There is good birding along the trail with White Bellbirds calling from the scrubby woodland at the beginning of the trail and again from the forests far below when we reach the summit. Other species we may see include Ornate Hawk-eagle, Black Curassow, Guianan Puffbird, Todd's Antwren, Spotted Tanager and Bay-headed Tanager. The area also has a high density of Blue-and-yellow, Red-and-green, and Scarlet macaws. At the summit we will have absolutely stunning views across the rainforest to the distant mountains. We will make this a full day outing and take picnic lunches.

Late in the afternoon travel up the Rewa River to visit sand banks where Giant River Turtles may come to lay their eggs. On the return trip to the lodge, we'll spotlight for wildlife including caiman, potoos, nightjars, and larger mammals. Along the riverbanks we may see Red Howler Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys and Brown Capuchin.
Lodging: Hotel Unicornio Azul or similar in Castro

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February 11, Monday: Rupununi River cruise; North Rupununi Savannah birding
This morning we'll travel slowly on the Rupununi River to Kwatamang Landing, keeping an eye out for Crestless Curassow, Jabiru Stork, Wood Stork, Bat Falcon, King Vulture, White-necked Jacobin, Golden-spangled Piculet, and Drab Water Tyrant. This trip should give us another excellent opportunity to look for various riparian, wetland, and open-country species and we stand a good chance of seeing Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Jabiru, Green Ibis, Northern (Crested) Caracara, Black-collared Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Brown-throated Parakeet and Swallow-wing. Depending on the river level, this trip offers an excellent opportunity to look for Giant Otters as there are several family groups living along this stretch of the Rupununi River. Both Black and Spectacled caimans also inhabit the river and several species of monkey, including Red Howler, White-faced Saki and Squirrel Monkey, can be found in the riverside trees.

We'll continue by four wheel vehicle to Annai and again to Rock View Lodge. The road travels through the savannah and the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains with excellent opportunities for savannah birding. Jabiru Storks are often seen along this stretch of road. This area in the North Rupununi Savannah is an extensive area of grassland with termite mounds and scattered riparian woodland. Much of it is devoted to raising cattle, though the large ranches are not very productive. Indeed, one can travel for hours without seeing a domestic animal of any kind. Needless to say, the birdlife here is markedly different from that of the rainforest.

After lunch at Rock View Lodge, we'll travel south by road to Ginep Landing, making several birding stops along the way. Species we could encounter include Savannah Hawk, Red-shouldered Macaw, Sooty-capped Hermit, White-tailed Goldenthroat, Cinnamon Attila, Pale-tipped Inezia, Black-crested Antshrike, White-fringed Antwren, Cayenne Jay and Orange-backed Troupial. From Ginep Landing we will again journey by boat on the Rupununi River. This will give us an opportunity to look for various species such as Black-bellied Whistling-duck, Jabiru, Wood Stork, Green Ibis, Northern (Crested) Caracara, Black-collared and Zone-tailed hawks, and Swallow-wing. We may also have a chance to see mammals including Giant Otters, Red Howler, White-faced Saki, and Squirrel Monkey.

We'll arrive at Karanambu Ranch, home of Diane McTurk, who is widely known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned Giant Otters. Our nature viewing here will largely be in woodland patches or gallery forest along the river where we'll hope to find such species as Spotted Puffbird, Striped Woodcreeper, Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin, Golden-spangled Piculet and Capuchinbird. Mammals may include Giant Otter, Crab-eating Raccoon, and Giant Anteater.
Lodging: Karanambu Lodge

Giant Anteater

February 12 - 13, Tuesday - Wednesday: Explore the diverse landscapes near Karanambu Ranch
Our time at Karanambu Ranch will be spent exploring the nearby grasslands, gallery forest, and wetlands to look for many species including the oddest-looking members of the cotinga family, the Capuchinbird and near-threatened Bearded Tachuri. This is a great area to find Boat-billed Heron, Pinnated Bittern, Sunbittern, Sharp-tailed Ibis, Green-tailed Jacamar, Spotted Puffbird, White-fringed Antwren, Black-chinned Antbird and Rose-breasted Chat. We will also make a special effort to locate the Crestless (or Lesser Razor-billed) Curassow, however, this species is difficult to find. If there are any Giant Otters being rehabilitated, we'll enjoy some time at the river's edge watching these playful creatures swim in the shallow water and feast on fish supplied by Diane and her staff. We'll also spend time photographing colorful tanagers and cardinals that visit fruit feeders at the lodge and look skyward for King Vultures, Black Hawks, and Jabiru that ride thermals overhead.

One morning we may make an early start to reach an area of rolling grasslands that has been the home to a population of Giant Anteaters. With luck we shall locate one of these six-foot-long animals excavating its breakfast from one of the red termite mounds that stud the savannah. Travel will be by boat and Land Rover to forest patches and grasslands. When water levels are right, a wooded swamp near the ranch is the site of a surprisingly large colony of Boat-billed Herons. Evenings will include forays onto the savannahs after dark to look for night birds including six species of nightjar and nighthawk and Double-striped Thick-knee.
Lodging: Karanambu Ranch

Boat-billed Heron

February 14, Thursday: Morning at Karanambu. Fly to Georgetown and overnight at Cara Lodge
After an early morning excursion into the savannah and final visits to a variety of wetland habitats and lakes, we'll make our way to the airstrip for our flight to Georgetown. If time allows in Georgetown, we'll stop at the Botanical Gardens, making this our final excursion. We'll hope to see Pearl Kite, Red-bellied Macaw, Red-shouldered Macaw and many parrots including Orange-winged, Yellow-crowned and Festive. Ornamental ponds called "manatee ponds" near the entrance of the park have had manatees in them since 1885. Visitors occasionally see the manatees at the surface. We will walk on trails at the back of the gardens and may see Boat-billed Flycatcher, Short-tailed Swift, Ruddy Ground Dove, Silver-beaked Tanager and Piratic Flycatcher. Other possibilities include White-bellied Piculet, Great Horned Owl, Pinnated Bittern, Brown-throated Parakeet Snail Kite, Grey Hawk, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Black-crested Antshrike, Greyish Saltator, Buff-breasted Wren, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Golden-spangled Piculet, Spotted Tody-flycatcher, Wing-barred Seedeater, Blood-colored Woodpecker, and Carib Grackle. We'll check in at Cara Lodge for our final night and tonight will be our farewell dinner together.
Lodging: Cara Lodge

February 15, Friday: Flights homeward
There are early- and mid-morning flights available departing from Georgetown See complete flight information. Airport transfers are included if flying out today. Please let us know if you would care to extend your stay; we'd be happy to arrange extra hotel nights and transfers for you.

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Costs

Payments and Cancellations: All reservations require a deposit due at the time of making the reservation. Upon receiving your deposit and reservation form, we will send trip materials with additional information to help you prepare for your safari. Until the final payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person. This fee may go toward another tour if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip's departure date. There are no refunds given after the final payment due date. We reserve the right to charge for cost increases that occur between now and the date of travel.

Included:

• Accommodations from the night of January 31 to the morning of February 15.
• Airport transfers on January 31 or February 1 and February 15.
• All meals beginning with breakfast on February 1 and ending with dinner on February 14.
• All guiding and gratuities to lodge staff, local guides and river guides.
• All transportation in Guyana, including domestic internal flights.
• Entrance fees to parks and reserves.
• Bottled water available in the vehicles.

Not Included:

• All international flights and airfare. Approximately $640 round trip from the USA to Georgetown (quoted November 2011 and subject to change).
• Travel insurance.
• Any departure or airport tax in Guyana.
• Bottled beverages beyond those provided in the vehicle.
• Items of a personal nature, room service, alcoholic beverages, and items not on the regular menu (if you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your reservation form).
• Extra hotel nights in Georgetown can be arranged, $195 per double (with breakfast) and $175 per single.
• Separate transfers can be arranged by taxi, $65 per vehicle.

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Sign-up

To Make a Reservation: Please contact us (there are many methods of contacting us) to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill out one form per person, and post it to us in the mail with your deposit. Or fill out our handy online information request and we will send you more information.

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Other Details

Jim Danzenbaker

Leader: Jim Danzenbaker has been guiding tours throughout the Neotropics for over 15 years. Jim grew up on the coast of New Jersey where he started birding with his family at Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge and Cape May and has never stopped. After moving to California he began leading pelagic trips in Monterey Bay. He has been the bird specialist on our Antarctica Expedition staff since 1998. People who travel with him appreciate his friendliness, enthusiasm for finding birds and mammals, and willingness to share information. Jim now lives in Washington State and works for Kowa, a company that makes fantastic sporting optics. You will have wonderful "Kowa views" when you travel with Jim Danzenbaker!

Wally Prince, our resident guide, has been guiding tours in Guyana for over 15 years. He has a deep knowledge of Guyana's botany, wildlife, history and culture and is a professional guide, wildlife biologist and operations manager at Iwokrama International Centre Rainforest Reserve in Guyana. He is one of the top bird guides in Guyana and is highly involved in conservation, establishing wildlife clubs in Guyana and volunteering his time encouraging young people to be active in their local wildlife clubs.

Flights: Please let us know if you would like help arranging your international flights and we will put you in contact with our excellent ticketing agent. Airport transfers are included when arriving and departing on the dates listed in itinerary. Domestic flights are included in the cost of the trip and will be booked by Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.

Arrive in Georgetown, Guyana (GEO) by the evening of January 31 or absolutely no later than 7 or 8 am on the morning of February 1. There is a Delta flight arriving about 7 am on February 1; this will work if it is the best option for you by transferring directly to the Arrowpoint Marina, however we recommend arriving by January 31.

Depart from Georgetown (GEO) on the morning of February 15.

Climate: In the rainforests the humidity is high. In February the rainy season is over, although some rain is certainly possible. Mid-day temperatures are quite hot, but nights are cooler.

Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is optional, but encouraged, for this tour. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.

Non-smoking Policy: We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time or any place during our tours.

Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or contact us to give us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!

Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is registered as California Seller of Travel #2063050-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC). In event of a client canceling where a refund is applicable in accordance with the schedule above, or in the event that CES needs to cancel the trip, all payments for transportation or travel service not provided to the client shall be promptly refunded, unless the client instructs us otherwise in writing. All client payments are deposited into a trust account in accordance with California law. If for any reason a valid refund is not forthcoming, the client may request reimbursement from the TCRC within six months of the scheduled end of the tour. Please feel free to ask us for more information.

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All material © Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.
All photos © Doug or Ted Cheeseman, unless otherwise credited.
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